Yuvraj confident of strong World Twenty20 show

Yuvraj Singh has received the Arjuna Award, an Indian government honour to recognise outstanding achievement in sport, from Indian president Pranab Mukherjee in Delhi. Yuvraj is currently preparing to make a comeback to international cricket after recovering from a rare germ-cell cancer.

"It's a special award for me," Yuvraj said. "I had been nominated few times but finally I got it this time. It's a proud moment for me and my family. The award will give me a lot of confidence to make a comeback and perform well."

Yuvraj hasn't played any top-flight cricket since last November but has been picked for the Twenty20s against New Zealand next month and the World Twenty20 as well. He brushed aside doubts over whether he is fit enough for the rigours of top-flight cricket.

"Experts are not watching me. They don't know about my fitness. It's me who knows what's going on. It's me who is feeling it from inside," Yuvraj said. "I know myself better and I am confident enough to do well in the World Cup in Sri Lanka."

Following chemotherapy in February and March, Yuvraj began training in June. "I am practising hard at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore," he said. "The experts over there are watching my fitness level. I know what I am doing and I just want to concentrate on my return and playing cricket.

"If you look at the last three months, I am really training hard and peaking well. I am looking forward to play my first game after a year."

Yuvraj also insisted that he had enough practice to be ready for the World Twenty20. "I had played three practice games at NCA. I will get some serious match practice in the two matches against New Zealand scheduled September 8 and 11. Then, I would be playing two more practice matches. So, you see, I will be having seven games before the World Cup. I will be having enough match practice."

@TaintedLuvv: A big salute to you brother! Great to hear the description from a fan across the border. Thank you - Sincerely

George
on August 30, 2012, 13:31 GMT

I should say that the people if india has a special affection towards yuvraj. He is the real hero...Comeone Yuvi ...Rock..

Subash
on August 30, 2012, 13:24 GMT

First off good luck Yuvi. @TaintedLuvv: Like my fellow Indians have said, I commend you on your knowledge about Mahabharata. One slight correction Mahabaharat is our 'Itihas' which exclusively means 'thus occured' and not a myth, which my fellow Indians missed. There are several evidence that historians have gathered to prove that the great Mahabharata War did happen. I can provide those here but then this article is about Yuvi back in World T20 squad and not abt history.

@TaintedLuvv: A big salute to you brother! Great to hear the description from a fan across the border. Thank you - Sincerely

George
on August 30, 2012, 13:31 GMT

I should say that the people if india has a special affection towards yuvraj. He is the real hero...Comeone Yuvi ...Rock..

Subash
on August 30, 2012, 13:24 GMT

First off good luck Yuvi. @TaintedLuvv: Like my fellow Indians have said, I commend you on your knowledge about Mahabharata. One slight correction Mahabaharat is our 'Itihas' which exclusively means 'thus occured' and not a myth, which my fellow Indians missed. There are several evidence that historians have gathered to prove that the great Mahabharata War did happen. I can provide those here but then this article is about Yuvi back in World T20 squad and not abt history.

:- We cares as it is my countries prestigious award , if you don't care why are u bothered of adding a comment just keep quite, i think this helps.

Aditya
on August 30, 2012, 12:32 GMT

as much as Yuvi looks better with the hair back, the Indian team will also look equally good with Yuvi back!

Vibhanu
on August 30, 2012, 12:26 GMT

Arjuna Ranatunga memorial award is won by an INDIAN.A proud moment for India.Well done Yuvi.Your next task is to win the Great JAYASURIYA AWARD.

Munaf
on August 30, 2012, 11:52 GMT

I did select 12 did i not? LOL ? Thats what happens when you select teams instead of writing Java code at work :P
Ok then I guess poor Tiwary has to sit out to make it team 11.

Sameer
on August 30, 2012, 11:32 GMT

As you can look at the award and guess that Arjuna ranatunga have nothing to do with this. My Pakistani friend is absolutely correct about the description of the award. And for Yuvraj, Welcome back. We want to see those big sixes again

Dummy4
on August 30, 2012, 10:40 GMT

hey niraj, afridi was the man of the tournament 2007 wc t20

Dummy4
on August 30, 2012, 10:39 GMT

@ TaintedLuvv lol Nice one. Your knowledge actually surprised me.

Rakesh
on August 30, 2012, 10:35 GMT

@ TaintedLuvv - Good to know fans across the border having knowledge to Hindu mythology. Humanity lives.

Dummy4
on August 30, 2012, 9:59 GMT

yeah i am so happy ,that yuvi is back my favourite odi and t20 player and i firmly belive if he was good consistent run at test cricket he would have been succesful there or even in the future if he gets a good run at test cricket ,but at the moment i am waiting for 8 september the day yuvi plays for India again and if he is firing India chance a great chance at Wt20 (anyways we do ) @taintedluvvv -you said it dont need to say anything else just one thing to that @amilag that this is first of all an Indian award and also that its not only awarded to cricketers but to all sportsperson

phil
on August 30, 2012, 9:29 GMT

@TaintedLuvv.. excellent description of history behind the arjuna award...@amilag thats where it is derived and not from Arjuna ranatuga`s name lolzz..

Praveen
on August 30, 2012, 9:07 GMT

@TaintedLuvv on (August 30 2012, 07:41 AM GMT).. Well... nobody noticed that there was comment of that sort thinking Arjuna award is of Rnatunga's.. Many of Indians here didn't noticed i guess so no body answered to correct the misconception.It's so pleasing a pakistani brother answering it and Great, you know much about Hindu epic stories..Thank you brother for explaining in detail to @amilag. You were correct that name comes from Arjuna the greatest Archer. For an additional information on how good Arjuna is ..You can see in picture where in the idol of Arjuna , his eyes looking down and Bow and arrow pointed upwards. He is such a great archer that once he had to target object above his head but not looking directly at it , but looking into the water that is kept under his eyes to find the image of object above his head which is target and he had to spot and hit his target that way. In that competition he won. He is greatest archer because of such feats.

vinay
on August 30, 2012, 9:07 GMT

@TaintedLuvv:- You are absolutely correct about Arjuna award. Good to see that some one knows about Arjuna award , Arjuna award given in the memory of Arjuna ranathunga (Funny stuff) , Does srilanka give any sort of award in the name of Arjuna Ranathunga ?

Last but not least... Our hero is back to give us One more T20 World cup , We all Hope he does well from here.

Arindam
on August 30, 2012, 8:47 GMT

We want Yuvi iN T-20 WC!!!!Welcome back... But Whether he will bein his old form that needs to be seen..

Aiyina
on August 30, 2012, 8:46 GMT

Lets be practical and not be carried away by sympathy alone. I too hope that Yuvraj will fire and India will win. But Yuvi's talent alone cannot make up for his present lack of fitness and lack of match practice.

Waseem
on August 30, 2012, 8:31 GMT

best of luck from Pakistan

Dummy4
on August 30, 2012, 7:59 GMT

match winner is back......

Tainted
on August 30, 2012, 7:41 GMT

@amilag: lol!!! Bro, the Arjuna award has not been named after Arjuna Ranatunga, infact you are not even remotely close. Although i am a muslim and from Pakistan, but i presume the word 'Arjuna' in the Arjuna award, is derived from the Hindu Mythology, where Arjun was the hero of the epic Mahabharata alongwith Krishna. Arjuna is also the only undeafeted warrior of Mahabharata and considered as the finest archer and a really brave warrior as far as Mahabharata is concerned.
So my friend, i guess, this is where the analogy of Arjuna Award comes from rather than Arjuna Ranatunga!! :D

Naresh
on August 30, 2012, 7:22 GMT

YUVI's presence will boost the Indian team. He is a champion and should be
watched as he is itching to get back in Indian colours. He is a real inspiration
for cancer patients world wide involved in some sports.

A
on August 30, 2012, 7:19 GMT

he will obviously be great in odi n t20 but finally the management should come to their senses and not waste another great career.. just him him 10-12 tests on the trot and im sure he will seal a permanent spot..

All the very Best Yuvi! May you go on to become the most sucessful T20 player.

yogi
on August 30, 2012, 5:02 GMT

all the best Yuvi. Hope & wish you do well. For a person who has defeated death, cricket should not pose much of a challenge. Here's wishing you well and just do it not only for the country, but all the cancer patients all over the world.God Bless us All.AMEN.

Alex
on August 30, 2012, 5:00 GMT

That's nice, but when is he going to learn how to bat?

Dummy4
on August 30, 2012, 4:49 GMT

this time also player of the tournament yuvi in wc t20.

Arulan
on August 30, 2012, 3:57 GMT

who cares. meaningless award anyway.

Shamalka
on August 30, 2012, 3:53 GMT

@ Chandana Fonseka: Joke of the day! You made my day buddy!

Shamalka
on August 30, 2012, 3:51 GMT

Bad news for the rest of the countries! The return of one of the cleanest hitters of the cricket ball...Smash any other country in the T20 WC but not Sri Lanka please :) May God bless you Yuvi! Shamalka from Sri Lanka

JAYANT
on August 30, 2012, 3:41 GMT

waiting for ur return YUVI.........all the best

Satish
on August 30, 2012, 3:23 GMT

The LOI series with NZ will give him enough big match practice.. If he can get his mojo back, India will be a force to reckon in the WC..

Praveen
on August 30, 2012, 3:03 GMT

I feel this year T20 world cup will be in Hands of Team who bowls well, cleverly under these conditions in Srilanka.Pallekele,Colombo,Hambantota..three stadiums are venues for T20 world cups. Out of which 2 stadiums Pallekele and Hambantota are good for bowling. And Colombo is good batting wicket. It all comes to bowling in the end.Bowlers will rule this world cup and win cup for their team. I am expecting India to win this , not because they had played earlier. It is only because this Indian T20 Squad speed bowlers have variations and spin department is also balanced.

Kavin
on August 30, 2012, 3:00 GMT

India, SA, Sri Lanka and West Indies in the Semis! Mark my words!

Praveen
on August 30, 2012, 2:46 GMT

Yuvraj, a piece of advice for you : " Don't think who is doubting your fitness and career unless you feel you are completely fit and playing well like the Yuvi we have knowing. It's tough to come back to your normal way with so less match practice but it's not always same with every one. In your words i feel you have done all the work for getting into team for T20 world cup. Only just think how we fans are praying, deep from heart and hoping to see you and your batting. There are many who are waiting to see you. So get confidence that we all are with you :) and think only about us fans wishes. Work hard...All the best. Congratulations upon winning the prestigious Arjuna award"

Dummy4
on August 30, 2012, 1:58 GMT

Yuvraj singh is the only cricketer from India to have a rarer feat of having won 3 world cups !! Under -19, T20 and ODI worldcup !! He is a true fighter !! All the best to him :) :)

Srinivas
on August 30, 2012, 1:58 GMT

Bravo Champ! Bravo! Congratulations. Dil Se.....Now go get your well-deserved cap in the playing XI for the World Cup and no looking back Champ!

Max
on August 30, 2012, 1:07 GMT

For yuvi--- love and good luck from all bangladesh fan. We might not like india team but we love yuvraj singh

TR
on August 30, 2012, 1:01 GMT

Zak is the weakest link. No batting, *No fielding*, and sorry real unfit bowling for T20. No other team in the world has this weak fielder/batsman in the team. India keep him just for those one or two wkts he "may" get that too if opposition has lefthanders only.

Dhaval
on August 29, 2012, 22:54 GMT

Bravo!! Champ..You truly deserve it Congratulations..Hope to see the in form Yuvi of the past. Good luck for the Wt20 WC.

Dummy4
on August 29, 2012, 22:32 GMT

India are obviously strong contenders to win it but this time around, its us Aussies who will lift it. We were unfortunate in 2010 but since we played good Cricket the other day in UAE especially wickets which is quite similar then nobody including India will stand a chance against us if we play to our full potential.

Rajan
on August 29, 2012, 21:49 GMT

@ManitobaLions theres one problem with your team you've 12 players instead of 11

Dummy4
on August 29, 2012, 21:44 GMT

hats off to you yuvi. you are a true fighter. love from Pakistan.....

Al
on August 29, 2012, 21:42 GMT

Yuvi - you thing of beauty. You did more for Indian cricket than the so called God of cricket could do in his life time. With the support of youngsters, you won the T20 and ODI world cup for India. That's something the Fab 4 could never do in their lifetime, in spite of their so called God like batting prowess.

Manjunath
on August 29, 2012, 21:07 GMT

@ManitobaLions: I like your team as you have covered all bases! Batting looks stronger than any other teams as each one can win the match on their own. Bowling looks a little weaker but can be negated with batting. Fielding looks brilliant than ever with likes of Kohli, Manoj, Yuvraj and Raina. I really cant find a weak link here and if this team cannot win the cup than i don't think India can ever win the cup. If Sehwag fires at the top even 250 is on the cards with this batting line up! Go Team India!

Dummy4
on August 29, 2012, 20:46 GMT

When Yuvi says something,then you better listen. I know guys like Saurav Ganguly still think that his comeback is pushed too soon but if an experienced guy like Yuvi is confident about his fitness,then there's no stopping him. A true match winner in every sense-On and off the field. Feel so happy for him. One of the biggest reasons for me to switch on that TV to watch cricket and to go to stadiums. This lad is amazing. Best of luck,Yuvi..:)

Dev
on August 29, 2012, 20:42 GMT

Hope, he wil giv his best in the upcoming T20 world cup n bring the cup back to india..!! All the best YUVI...!!

Dummy4
on August 29, 2012, 20:30 GMT

You Have Been a Fighter, BraveHeart of Indian Cricket , keeping your Spirit , Kicking in with glory of achievement, positive impact to cricketers to all agegroups and You would still continue with Many More Laurels for Team India in all FORMATS!!!! Way To Go Yuvi......Whole Nation wants to see your Instincts for many more Years to come!!!!!Hearty Congratulations !!!!!!

Dummy4
on August 29, 2012, 20:26 GMT

good luck...and am I the only one who thinks the guy in the back look's like muhamaad hafeez....0.o

Munaf
on August 29, 2012, 19:41 GMT

Sehwag,Gambhir,Kohli,Yuvi,Raina,Tiwary,Dhoni,Irfan,Bhaji,Balaji,Ashwin,Zak
Normally I would detest Bhajji in team but he adds to batting power and batting is Indias strength.
If Sehwag fails then try Rohit as opener. He is in terrible form but no choice left.
Chawla is lucky mascot..nothnig more.Hoping Balaji can get in form and bowl his variations.
Dinda in place of Zak if Zak is out of form or injured.
Sehwag,Raina,Yuvi,Tiwary and Kohli should manage to bowl 8 over between them.
The other 4 specalist bowlers can bowl remaining 12 even if one has offday.
But batting is awesome deep and even if a couple of wickets fall.. batting can outbat the opposition to cushion our slightly weak bowling

moginraj
on August 29, 2012, 19:40 GMT

i know it was an emotional decision to pick yuvraj, but it think we can overlook that since this will give him enormous confidence, even if he doesnt play any matches, just being in the team setting will help him... all the best yuvi... god bless!!!!

Francis
on August 29, 2012, 19:27 GMT

Bravo!!! What a fighter.
Way to go!

Dummy4
on August 29, 2012, 19:25 GMT

YUVI hope to see u playing Cricket again very soon... Inshallah.... Sincere best wishes From Lahore Pakistan

Jay
on August 29, 2012, 18:55 GMT

Wish you a very best of luck and good wishes dear Yuvi !!!! I am sure you will put up a batting exhibition for all your fans in India and from across the world. God bless you and may you go on to achieve every accolade. :)

Dummy4
on August 29, 2012, 18:27 GMT

welcome back fighter,,,,,,i know you will perform best,,,,indian proud on you fighter,,many cancer patient also encourage by you many young boy also who think they loose every thing in the life,you give us hope and thanks to selector also they show trust on you ,,because it shows there always second available for every body go tiger and win the world cup

Hardik
on August 29, 2012, 18:25 GMT

Good luck Yuvi. Give your best.

Krishna
on August 29, 2012, 18:14 GMT

Welcome back hero.I wold trust this man's words any day for he is a genuine guy. Remember how he pressed hard during WC final to review Samaraweera's LBW? Just an example to show that if he says something he means it. He will be an asset for a T20 WC happening in the subcontinent. That will give Dhoni an otion to play an extra quick bowler. With Irfan being one of them, we wont be short o either batsmen or spinners. And above all, that will give us the cushion to play (dont hit or abuse me) Rohi aaaahh oooohh oops. I said don't hit me..

Dummy4
on August 29, 2012, 18:10 GMT

wo..great moment for yuvraj singh n indian crickt yuvi recieved arjuna award .the tiger of indian team is making comebck be aware all teams another world cup is on way 4 indians ...salute the real tiger playing so soon after recovering 4m rare germ cancer is not so easyyy....

Manjunath
on August 29, 2012, 18:07 GMT

Congratulations Yuvi! Hope you bring back the flare and style back into your game. We all love to watch you hit 6 6's again! -- Chris baby broad hope you are reading this.

congrats yuvi,,, and all the very best for world cup... make us proud once again n win it for all of us.. all the very very best

Nadeem
on August 29, 2012, 17:48 GMT

wish you best of luck yuvi you were awesome in WC 2011 and hope to see you hitting another bowler 6 sixes in a over. I hope this time you pick australian bowler please.

Shehan
on August 29, 2012, 17:46 GMT

Show us your talents in the matches against New Zealand. All the best.

Luke
on August 29, 2012, 17:44 GMT

Hasn't played any cricket. I'm amazed the BCCI are continuing to pick players based on sentiment, rather than performance. I love Yuvraj and wish him continued success in his recovery, but he's played next-to-zero cricket, and in his situation is only a detriment to India's chances of winning the tournament.

Dummy4
on August 29, 2012, 17:43 GMT

come on champion it's gone to be a great come back.

Dummy4
on August 29, 2012, 17:39 GMT

Common Yuvi!! cant wait to see you smash!!!

Sreejith
on August 29, 2012, 17:39 GMT

All the best Yuvi. Proud of you. Jai Hind!!

abhay
on August 29, 2012, 17:37 GMT

Good Luck Champ !!

And congrats on the award... well deserved.

No featured comments at the moment.

abhay
on August 29, 2012, 17:37 GMT

Good Luck Champ !!

And congrats on the award... well deserved.

Sreejith
on August 29, 2012, 17:39 GMT

All the best Yuvi. Proud of you. Jai Hind!!

Dummy4
on August 29, 2012, 17:39 GMT

Common Yuvi!! cant wait to see you smash!!!

Dummy4
on August 29, 2012, 17:43 GMT

come on champion it's gone to be a great come back.

Luke
on August 29, 2012, 17:44 GMT

Hasn't played any cricket. I'm amazed the BCCI are continuing to pick players based on sentiment, rather than performance. I love Yuvraj and wish him continued success in his recovery, but he's played next-to-zero cricket, and in his situation is only a detriment to India's chances of winning the tournament.

Shehan
on August 29, 2012, 17:46 GMT

Show us your talents in the matches against New Zealand. All the best.

Nadeem
on August 29, 2012, 17:48 GMT

wish you best of luck yuvi you were awesome in WC 2011 and hope to see you hitting another bowler 6 sixes in a over. I hope this time you pick australian bowler please.

Dummy4
on August 29, 2012, 17:49 GMT

congrats yuvi,,, and all the very best for world cup... make us proud once again n win it for all of us.. all the very very best

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